Nyhavn
STAY
The courtyard at SP34
Unless you’re ready to drop a lot of cash, you’ll probably find all the hotel rooms in Copenhagen to be small and expensive. You’ll find the rooms at SP34 are quite cozy but they are full of charm in a historic building tucked away on a small street so there is less noise but still very convenient to pretty much everywhere in the city. The downstairs lobby feels hip and happening. The included breakfast is solid though they charge extra for made to order eggs which is too bad. They also will rent you bikes though I found the bike shares to be more convenient because you can leave them anywhere when you are done. Close to Tivoli, Nyhavn, the Botanical Gardens, and the Norreport station.
In the heart of hipster Vesterbro this affordable hotel is on a quiet street with contemporary design. Not as central as SP34 but walking distance to some great spots like Granola Cafe, Central Cafe, Hija de Sanchez, etc. Also walking distance from Central Station so if you’re only staying a few nights and don’t want to splurge on a taxi this is a great choice.
EAT
The perfect cafe that feels straight out of Paris with delicious pancakes.
Central Cafe
Another picture perfect tiny cafe in hip Vesterbro. There is also one room available to rent above the cafe.
Some of the best pizza in the world located on a super cute pedestrian only street in Norrebro. Stop in for a drink across the way at craft beer spot Brus before or after dinner. Reservations are a must.
Fish restaurant in old meatpacking district focused on sustainability.
Torvehallerne
One of several food halls in the city that also has a very charming flower market. Coffee Collective and Grød (porridges) are not to be missed.
Beautiful avocado toasts, grain bowls, and lattes in a sunny cafe setting.
Pricey but soul-soothing ramen perfect for a rainy day.
If you’re looking for that Noma-type experience this is a great and charming place to splurge on a Nordic tasting menu meal.
Granola Cafe in Vesterbro
Pancakes at Granola Cafe in Vesterbro
Central Cafe in Vesterbro
Pea risotto at Grød in Torvehallerne
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden
Rosenborg Palace
DO
A greenhouse building set in a picturesque park that comes alive on a warm sunny day. Experience different climates and plants with occasional special exhibits like a butterfly room.
Rosenborg Palace
To see how the kings, well, lived like kings. Opulence and history.
Nyhavn
The canal with historic pastel colored buildings you’ve seen in all the postcards. Go in the morning or before sunset for best light.
Great modern museum a 30-40 minute train ride from the city. Time your arrival to be there right when it opens to avoid crowds. And if possible go on a sunny day as the waterfront grounds are a big part of the appeal.
One of the first amusement parks ever this place oozes with charm and happily lacks in commercialism and crowds that you’ll find at places like Disneyland. I recommend going at dusk so you can see the whole place light up at night.
A 17th-century tower and observatory, the spiral ramp leads to great 360 degree views of the city.
Louisiana Museum
Tivoli Gardens
TIPS
-Get a Copenhagen Card
Especially if you’re only visiting for a few days and want to pack as many sights in as possible I recommend getting a Copenhagen Card. This will get you free public transportation and into all the museums and Tivoli Gardens one time.
-Rent a bike
Be like the locals and hop on two wheels to get around. There are dedicated bike lanes which make it way less scary but remember keep up with the flow of traffic and follow the bike-only traffic lights. Also use hand signals for turning or stopping. Donkey Republic has an app where you can see the closest bike to you that you unlock with your phone. There is even a spot with bungee cords between the handlebars to strap in your phone with your google maps set to biking. Christianshavn is a good place to bike through to see the hippie area and then loop back to the city center.
